The boy was a bit confused to hear the assertions that the foretelling couldn't be serious. His brow furrowed a bit as he tried to reason with the explanation given. "But...that was a pretty broad prediction. It's kind of rare to get exact dates on a lot of things like that. And with an unconventional ability like that one, I'd expect it to be a little less exact, anyway. At least it wasn't just a bunch of vague riddles." 

"Besides, if you said exactly who I'd marry...No, actually, never mind that. But the death really got me, though. I'm sure that you've noticed, but, um...how do I say...life expectancy talks..." He paused for a moment as a cough forced its way out of his throat, giving a sheepish chuckle when it stopped. "...they're not things I often get into. And it's not that rare for rulers to be assassinated or to die in battle. If anything, I would have expected that part to be way more vague than the rest of it." He stared at his tea, wondering whether it really was fake or not. 

"...I guess that was something pretty nice to hear, though, either way. It's something I can try to work toward, at any rate." He looked back up before motioning to the table. "We'll have to keep thinking of where you would be able to work best, but at least get something to eat for now. I'm sure we'll think of something."